Since Thursday December 4th and until the 13th the major automakers are at the Los Angeles Auto Show to unveil more than 30 models making their World or North American Debuts. Are also featured alternative fuel/electric vehicles, concept models and race cars. Among all these auto manufacturers the only motorcycle presence that I know of is the Confederate Motors crew with a display of the new P120 Fighter and of the B120 Wraith. The business model of Confederate has always been to sell direct retail. But I was informed that in Los Angeles, for the 1st time, the manufacturer will propose a dealer program, and that Confederate is evaluating the same mix strategy (sales to both dealers & direct retail) to enter the European market. During the show Confederate is also introducing a very stylish line of helmets developed by French company “Ateliers Ruby” and also a new line of apparel. If you visit, send me an update. Confederate Motors.

The front end looks out of place on that bike. I like the tech look of the bike overall. Of course,I am probably not the targeted consumer for that company. Interesting but that bike has no flow to it,tho I am curious as to how it handles. JMO

“and also a new line of apparel.”
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Another promise of M/C wear but no pics.

I thought some people might like to see a couple items of clothing that are Pure-D Motorsickle.

I’ve worn Bean’s Double-L quarter zips for about 5 yrs. The quarter-zip was not in the Bean catalog for a couple of years. These sweaters are perfect over a white t-shirt and the stand up collar warms your neck at 65 mph. Nothing is more distracting, than to be freezing on you scoot, keeping your legs against the sides of the cylinders to try and keep warm. Pitiful.

Ruby Helmets are Tres Cool – http://ateliersruby.com/
I have had one for a while now and its beautifully made and finished, the only drawback is high wind noise through a gap in the lining – but these new ones with the visor should be a big improvement. They are pretty expensive also.

These guys all wore quarter-zips. The zipper allows amazing ventilation when unzipped and amazing warmth when zipped up.
Black and camel Double-L’s will sell out first. Camel is already back ordered until Jan. 2010.

About the care of Dbl-L sweaters:
I wear a size large Double-L. (I’m a suit size 41, which doesn’t really exist.) My arms are long, (34-35) for cotton shirt sleeve length. Size large Dbl.-L is a normal “large” on most large people if they don’t put it in the dryer.

I cook mine in the dryer instead, on hot, and run it through a full cycle. Fits perfect afterwards and will stretch slightly. I throw it in the wash with Levis. You can’t kill a Dbl.-L

Is this thread about Confederate cycles or sweaters? Jeez. Where the hell did that come from, Kirk?

Matt Chambers of Confederate was set up with 2 bikes at The Quail auto show during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August. He was set up next to the Lamborghinis, at an event that costs $400 a ticket to get in. (I didn’t pay.) Maybe aiming at the same market. I talked with Matt there. Very nice guy.

His bikes, both Wraith and the new P1, are way cool and completely different in looks — curved vs. angular. He had the first P1 fighter on a stand at the International Bike Show at Long Beach going on now, but nobody from Confederate was around when I was there Friday.

Well, this thread quickly turned from pretty but expensive and dysfunctional motorcycles to $900 helmets and care of LL Bean sweaters. Cyril, I believe you’ve found Confederate’s target market for them! You should pass all these guys’ e-mail addresses on to Matt Chambers.

From sex, booze, and tattoos in the 60’s to riding apparel and Gieco insurance adds in the 21st century…too funny…Someone pass me the Grey Poupon please…..lol….I’m eating Kippers while parousing Harry and Davids new line of Biker Snacks…..ROFLOL !!!

Confederate sells 4500.00-5000.00 dollar leather jackets on their site. Wow. And my wife had a fit about my two Vansons….

That Wraith is just sweet. Pure mechanics, no radiator to spoil it, and that front end is too cool to look at. That is alot of $$$$ for an air cooled twin though.

They need to get JT Nesbitt back and maybe lose some of the whole “lifestyle” hoopla. I know these are exclusive machines, but they are still just motorcycles, and HD has a patent on the whole lifestyle thing anyway. Oh, and the Wraith is just sweet.

“At this rate the Oprah book Club will recommend this particular thread.”
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Splendid Woody.
Book myself and Jesse James on Oprah® and we’ll let the public see the foundation for a whole new outlook on utility clothing. Plus, we get to put the “Order of Early OHV Design” into the public’s face.
Confederate can bring one of their creations and blow everybody’s mind.
We’ll call it “Oprah goes Scooter-Trash” day.
She’lll allow the audience to riot with applause – or loud collective booing, as Jesse Jame®s puts their Wal-Mart® clothing line up against Vintage Twins® KnuckleWear™ originals. (7) pieces that will change the world of all mens-wear and we all benefit.

I’ll ride in to Ope’s on my 55-57 V-Twin® Panhead, and Jesse can ride into the studio on a Stretcher-Twin (if can make that turn leaving the “green room” hallway. Although two people could move his front end around for him).